World's largest religious festival

The Kumbh Mela in the town of Allahabad will see up to 100 million worshippers gather over 55 days to take a ritual bath in the holy waters, believed to cleanse sins and bestow blessings.

By compiled from wire photos

on February 13, 2013 8:52 PM

Photo: Rajesh Kumar Singh/Associated Press

Image 1of/51

Caption

Close

Image 1 of 51

Indian Hindu priests perform the evening Arti prayer at Sangam, the confluence of the Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, during the Maha Kumbh festival, in Allahabad, India , Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are attending the Maha Kumbh festival, which is one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days and falls every 12 years. During the festival pilgrims bathe in the holy Ganges River in a ritual they believe can wash away their sins. less

Indian Hindu priests perform the evening Arti prayer at Sangam, the confluence of the Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, during the Maha Kumbh festival, in Allahabad, India , Wednesday, Feb. 13, ... more

Hindu holy men undergo rituals to be initiated as Naga sadhus or naked Hindu holy men at the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013. The significance of nakedness is that one will not have any worldly ties to material belongings, even something as simple as clothes. Rituals that transform selected holy men to Naga can only be done at the Kumbh festival. less

Hindu holy men undergo rituals to be initiated as Naga sadhus or naked Hindu holy men at the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013. The significance of nakedness is that one will not ... more

Hindu holy men make offerings to the fire as they chant mantras to be initiated as 'Naga sadhus' or naked Hindu holy men at the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013. The significance of nakedness is that one will not have any worldly ties to material belongings, even something as simple as clothes. Rituals that transform selected holy men to Naga can only be done at the Kumbh festival. less

Hindu holy men make offerings to the fire as they chant mantras to be initiated as 'Naga sadhus' or naked Hindu holy men at the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013. The ... more

Photo: Saurabh Das, Associated Press

Hindu holy men make offerings to the fire as they chant mantras to... Photo-4191941.56365 - Connecticut Post

Image 4 of 51

Hindu devotees bathe on the banks of Sangam, the confluence of the holy rivers Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, during the Maha Kumbh Mela on February 9, 2013 in Allahabad, India. The Maha Kumbh Mela, believed to be the largest religious gathering on earth, is held every 12 years on the banks of Sangam, the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. The Kumbh Mela alternates between the cities of Nasik, Allahabad, Ujjain and Haridwar every three years. The Maha Kumbh Mela celebrated at the holy site of Sangam in Allahabad, is the largest and holiest, celebrated over 55 days, and is expected to attract over 100 million people. less

Hindu devotees bathe on the banks of Sangam, the confluence of the holy rivers Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, during the Maha Kumbh Mela on February 9, 2013 in Allahabad, India. The Maha Kumbh Mela, ... more

Photo: Daniel Berehulak, Getty Images

Hindu devotees bathe on the banks of Sangam, the confluence of the... Photo-4167031.56365 - Connecticut Post

Image 5 of 51

Hindu devotees bathe at Sangam, the confluence of the Yamuna, Ganges and mythical Saraswati rivers after sundown at the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad on February 9, 2013. The Kumbh Mela in the town of Allahabad will see up to 100 million worshippers gather over 55 days to take a ritual bath in the holy waters, believed to cleanse sins and bestow blessings. less

Hindu devotees bathe at Sangam, the confluence of the Yamuna, Ganges and mythical Saraswati rivers after sundown at the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad on February 9, 2013. The Kumbh Mela in the town of Allahabad will ... more

Indian Hindu holy man arrives with devotees at Sangam, the confluence of the Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, during Maha Kumbh festival, in Allahabad, India, Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are attending the Maha Kumbh festival, which is one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days and falls every 12 years. During the festival pilgrims bathe in the holy Ganges River in a ritual they believe can wash away their sins. less

Indian Hindu holy man arrives with devotees at Sangam, the confluence of the Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, during Maha Kumbh festival, in Allahabad, India, Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013. Millions of ... more

A hindu holy man or Sadhu (C) prays while standing on one leg at the banks of the river Ganges at the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad on February 09, 2013. The Kumbh Mela in the town of Allahabad will see up to 100 million worshippers gather over 55 days to take a ritual bath in the holy waters, believed to cleanse sins and bestow blessings. less

A hindu holy man or Sadhu (C) prays while standing on one leg at the banks of the river Ganges at the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad on February 09, 2013. The Kumbh Mela in the town of Allahabad will see up to 100 ... more

Hindu devotees gather in the shore of the confluence of the Yomuna and the Ganges river at the Sangam in the late afternoon as they wait to be served a free meal organized by an ashram during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad on February 7, 2013. The Kumbh Mela in the town of Allahabad will see up to 100 million worshippers gather over 55 days to take a ritual bath in the holy waters, believed to cleanse sins and bestow blessings. less

Hindu devotees gather in the shore of the confluence of the Yomuna and the Ganges river at the Sangam in the late afternoon as they wait to be served a free meal organized by an ashram during the Maha Kumbh ... more

Photo: ROBERTO SCHMIDT, AFP/Getty Images

Hindu devotees gather in the shore of the confluence of the Yomuna... Photo-4162537.56365 - Connecticut Post

Image 9 of 51

Women devotees hold up wet saris to the wind after taking a dip at the Sangham or confluence of the Yamuna, Ganges and mythical Saraswati rivers in the early morning, during the Kumbh Mela festival in Allahabad February 8, 2013. The Kumbh Mela will see up to 100 million worshippers gather over 55 days to take a ritual bath in the holy waters, believed to cleanse sins and bestow blessings. less

Women devotees hold up wet saris to the wind after taking a dip at the Sangham or confluence of the Yamuna, Ganges and mythical Saraswati rivers in the early morning, during the Kumbh Mela festival in Allahabad ... more

Hindu holy men of the Juna Akhara sect participate in a ritual that is believed to rid them of all ties in this life and dedicate themselves to serving God as a "Naga" or naked holy men, at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna River during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013. less

Hindu holy men of the Juna Akhara sect participate in a ritual that is believed to rid them of all ties in this life and dedicate themselves to serving God as a "Naga" or naked holy men, at Sangam, the ... more

A Hindu holy man of the Juna Akhara sect takes part in a ritual that is believed to rid participants of all ties in this life and dedicate themselves to serving God as a "Naga" or naked holy men. The significance of nakedness is that they will not have any worldly ties to material belongings, even something as simple as clothes. This ritual that transforms selected holy men to Naga can only be done at the Kumbh festival. less

A Hindu holy man of the Juna Akhara sect takes part in a ritual that is believed to rid participants of all ties in this life and dedicate themselves to serving God as a "Naga" or naked holy men. The ... more

Photo: Manish Swarup, Associated Press

A Hindu holy man of the Juna Akhara sect takes part in a ritual... Photo-4155704.56365 - Connecticut Post

Image 12 of 51

Indian devotees dry their cloths after a dip at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati River as others arrive during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013. less

Indian devotees dry their cloths after a dip at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati River as others arrive during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India Thursday, Feb. 7, ... more

Photo: Manish Swarup, Associated Press

Indian devotees dry their cloths after a dip at Sangam, the... Photo-4155705.56365 - Connecticut Post

Image 13 of 51

Hindu holy men of the Juna Akhara sect take refuge in a tent following sudden rain during a ritual that is believed to rid them of all ties in this life and dedicate themselves to serving God as a "Naga" or naked holy men, at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna River. less

Hindu holy men of the Juna Akhara sect take refuge in a tent following sudden rain during a ritual that is believed to rid them of all ties in this life and dedicate themselves to serving God as a "Naga" or ... more

Photo: Manish Swarup, Associated Press

Hindu holy men of the Juna Akhara sect take refuge in a tent... Photo-4155707.56365 - Connecticut Post

Image 14 of 51

A woman prays by a candle light as two men use a boat to make their way upstream in the confluence of the Yomuna and the Ganges river at the Sangam during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad on February 7, 2013. less

A woman prays by a candle light as two men use a boat to make their way upstream in the confluence of the Yomuna and the Ganges river at the Sangam during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad on February 7, ... more

Photo: ROBERTO SCHMIDT, AFP/Getty Images

A woman prays by a candle light as two men use a boat to make their... Photo-4155708.56365 - Connecticut Post

Image 15 of 51

Two men use a boat to make their way upstream in the confluence of the Yomuna and the Ganges river at the Sangam during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad.

Two men use a boat to make their way upstream in the confluence of the Yomuna and the Ganges river at the Sangam during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad.

Photo: ROBERTO SCHMIDT, AFP/Getty Images

Two men use a boat to make their way upstream in the confluence of... Photo-4155709.56365 - Connecticut Post

Image 16 of 51

An Indian devotee takes a holy dip at the Sangam during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad on February 7, 2013. The Kumbh Mela in the town of Allahabad will see up to 100 million worshippers gather over 55 days to take a ritual bath in the holy waters, believed to cleanse sins and bestow blessings. less

An Indian devotee takes a holy dip at the Sangam during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad on February 7, 2013. The Kumbh Mela in the town of Allahabad will see up to 100 million worshippers gather over 55 ... more

Photo: SANJAY KANOJIA, AFP/Getty Images

An Indian devotee takes a holy dip at the Sangam during the Maha... Photo-4155710.56365 - Connecticut Post

Image 17 of 51

Indian devotees prepare food on the banks of river Ganga during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad on February 7, 2013.

Indian devotees prepare food on the banks of river Ganga during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad on February 7, 2013.

Photo: SANJAY KANOJIA, AFP/Getty Images

Indian devotees prepare food on the banks of river Ganga during the... Photo-4155711.56365 - Connecticut Post

Image 18 of 51

Former manual scavengers take a 'holy dip' at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers during the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad on February 7, 2013. 100-odd former scavenger women from Rajasthan's Alwar and Tonk districts, rehablitated by NGO Sulabh International, took a holy dip at Sangam, performed puja and had lunch with priests at the Kumbh Mela. less

Former manual scavengers take a 'holy dip' at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers during the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad on February 7, 2013. 100-odd former scavenger women ... more

Hindu priests perform during an aarti ceremony on the banks of the Ganges river during the Maha Kumbh Mela on January 15, 2013 in Allahabad, India. The Maha Kumbh Mela, believed to be the largest religious gathering on earth is held every 12 years on the banks of Sangam, the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. The Kumbh Mela alternates between the cities of Nasik, Allahabad, Ujjain and Haridwar every three years. The Maha Kumbh Mela celebrated at the holy site of Sangam in Allahabad, is the largest and holiest, celebrated over 55 days, it is expected to attract over 100 million people. less

Hindu priests perform during an aarti ceremony on the banks of the Ganges river during the Maha Kumbh Mela on January 15, 2013 in Allahabad, India. The Maha Kumbh Mela, believed to be the largest religious ... more

Photo: Daniel Berehulak, Getty Images

Hindu priests perform during an aarti ceremony on the banks of the... Photo-4150101.56365 - Connecticut Post

Image 20 of 51

A child watches as Hindu holy men of the Juna Akhara sect leave their camp for a rituals that are believed to rid them of all ties in this life and dedicate themselves to serving God as a 'Naga' or naked holy men, at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna River during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013. The significance of nakedness is that they will not have any worldly ties to material belongings, even something as simple as clothes. This ritual that transforms selected holy men to Naga can only be done at the Kumbh festival. less

A child watches as Hindu holy men of the Juna Akhara sect leave their camp for a rituals that are believed to rid them of all ties in this life and dedicate themselves to serving God as a 'Naga' or naked holy ... more

initiated 'naga sadhus' prepare to perform rituals on the banks of the Ganga River during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad on Febraury 6, 2013. During every Kumbh Mela, the diksha - ritual of initiation by a guru - program for new members takes place. less

initiated 'naga sadhus' prepare to perform rituals on the banks of the Ganga River during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad on Febraury 6, 2013. During every Kumbh Mela, the diksha - ritual of initiation ... more

Hindu holy men of the Juna Akhara sect return after a rituals that are believed to rid them of all ties in this life and dedicate themselves to serving God as a "Naga" or naked holy men, at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna River during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013. The significance of nakedness is that they will not have any worldly ties to material belongings, even something as simple as clothes. This ritual that transforms selected holy men to Naga can only be done at the Kumbh festival. less

Hindu holy men of the Juna Akhara sect return after a rituals that are believed to rid them of all ties in this life and dedicate themselves to serving God as a "Naga" or naked holy men, at Sangam, the ... more

Hindu holy men of the Juna Akhara sect smokes tobacco in between a rituals that are believed to rid them of all ties in this life and dedicate themselves to serving God as a "Naga" or naked holy men, at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna River during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013. The significance of nakedness is that they will not have any worldly ties to material belongings, even something as simple as clothes. This ritual that transforms selected holy men to Naga can only be done at the Kumbh festival. less

Hindu holy men of the Juna Akhara sect smokes tobacco in between a rituals that are believed to rid them of all ties in this life and dedicate themselves to serving God as a "Naga" or naked holy men, at Sangam, ... more

Newly initiated 'naga sadhus' prepare to perform rituals on the banks of the Ganga River during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad on Febraury 6, 2013. During every Kumbh Mela, the diksha - ritual of initiation by a guru - program for new members takes place. less

Newly initiated 'naga sadhus' prepare to perform rituals on the banks of the Ganga River during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad on Febraury 6, 2013. During every Kumbh Mela, the diksha - ritual of ... more

Newly initiated 'naga sadhus' prepare to perform rituals on the banks of the Ganga River during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad on Febraury 6, 2013. During every Kumbh Mela, the diksha - ritual of initiation by a guru - program for new members takes place. less

Newly initiated 'naga sadhus' prepare to perform rituals on the banks of the Ganga River during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad on Febraury 6, 2013. During every Kumbh Mela, the diksha - ritual of ... more

A Naga Sadhu, center, watches as other Hindu holy men of the Juna Akhara sect participate in a rituals that are believed to rid them of all ties in this life and dedicate themselves to serving God as a "Naga" or naked holy men, at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna River during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013. The significance of nakedness is that they will not have any worldly ties to material belongings, even something as simple as clothes. This ritual that transforms selected holy men to Naga can only be done at the Kumbh festival. less

A Naga Sadhu, center, watches as other Hindu holy men of the Juna Akhara sect participate in a rituals that are believed to rid them of all ties in this life and dedicate themselves to serving God as a "Naga" ... more

Photo: Rajesh Kumar Singh, Associated Press

A Naga Sadhu, center, watches as other Hindu holy men of the Juna... Photo-4150115.56365 - Connecticut Post

Image 27 of 51

Two Hindu holy men of the Juna Akhara sect are being take on a motorcycle by their teacher as they got delayed for a rituals that are believed to rid them of all ties in this life and dedicate themselves to serving God as a "Naga" or naked holy men, at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna River during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013. The significance of nakedness is that they will not have any worldly ties to material belongings, even something as simple as clothes. This ritual that transforms selected holy men to Naga can only be done at the Kumbh festival. less

Two Hindu holy men of the Juna Akhara sect are being take on a motorcycle by their teacher as they got delayed for a rituals that are believed to rid them of all ties in this life and dedicate themselves to ... more

Photo: Rajesh Kumar Singh, Associated Press

Two Hindu holy men of the Juna Akhara sect are being take on a... Photo-4150116.56365 - Connecticut Post

Image 28 of 51

Indian Hindu devotees walk through a dust storm at the Sangam after taking a holy dip at the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad on February 5, 2013. The Kumbh Mela in the town of Allahabad will see up to 100 million worshippers gather over 55 days to take a ritual bath in the holy waters, believed to cleanse sins and bestow blessings. less

Indian Hindu devotees walk through a dust storm at the Sangam after taking a holy dip at the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad on ... more

Photo: SANJAY KANOJIA, AFP/Getty Images

Indian Hindu devotees walk through a dust storm at the Sangam after... Photo-4150117.56365 - Connecticut Post

Image 29 of 51

A Hindu holy man sits on a chair of nails placed on a metallic swing hung above fire at “Sangam,” the confluence of rivers Ganges and Yamuna during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, Monday, Feb. 4, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh festival, which is one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days and falls every 12 years. less

A Hindu holy man sits on a chair of nails placed on a metallic swing hung above fire at “Sangam,” the confluence of rivers Ganges and Yamuna during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, Monday, Feb. 4, ... more

Photo: Rajesh Kumar Singh, Associated Press

A Hindu holy man sits on a chair of nails placed on a metallic... Photo-4150120.56365 - Connecticut Post

Image 30 of 51

An Indian artist gives final touches to an idol of Hindu God Shiva at the Akhara Pandal during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad on February 3, 2013. The Kumbh Mela in the town of Allahabad will see up to 100 million worshippers gather over 55 days to take a ritual bath in the holy waters, believed to cleanse sins and bestow blessings. less

An Indian artist gives final touches to an idol of Hindu God Shiva at the Akhara Pandal during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad on February 3, 2013. The Kumbh Mela in the town of Allahabad will see up to ... more

Photo: SANJAY KANOJIA, AFP/Getty Images

An Indian artist gives final touches to an idol of Hindu God Shiva... Photo-4150122.56365 - Connecticut Post

Image 31 of 51

An Indian worker carries a portrait of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in preparation of his Sunday visit at Sangam, the confluence of rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, during Mahakumbh festival in Allahabad, india, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh festival, which is one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days and falls every 12 years. less

An Indian worker carries a portrait of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in preparation of his Sunday visit at Sangam, the confluence of rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, during Mahakumbh ... more

A pedestrian holds on after slipping off a pipe, which he used to cross a section of the River Ganges, following the closure of a nearby pontoon bridge during the Maha Kumbh festival, in Allahabad on February 2, 2013. The Kumbh Mela in the town of Allahabad will see up to 100 million worshippers gather over 55 days to take a ritual bath in the holy waters, believed to cleanse sins and bestow blessings. less

A pedestrian holds on after slipping off a pipe, which he used to cross a section of the River Ganges, following the closure of a nearby pontoon bridge during the Maha Kumbh festival, in Allahabad on February ... more

Photo: SANJAY KANOJIA, AFP/Getty Images

A pedestrian holds on after slipping off a pipe, which he used to... Photo-4150126.56365 - Connecticut Post

Image 33 of 51

Monks from the Himalayan Buddhist Culture Association prepare a sand mandala as they prepare for the arrival of Tibetan spiritual leader The Dalai Lama to the Maha Kumbh festival, in Allahabad on February 2, 2013. The Kumbh Mela in the town of Allahabad will see up to 100 million worshippers gather over 55 days to take a ritual bath in the holy waters, believed to cleanse sins and bestow blessings. less

Monks from the Himalayan Buddhist Culture Association prepare a sand mandala as they prepare for the arrival of Tibetan spiritual leader The Dalai Lama to the Maha Kumbh festival, in Allahabad on February 2, ... more

An Indian child dressed as a Hindu Goddess watches a religious procession towards the Sangam, the confluence of rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, as part of the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh festival, which is one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days and falls every 12 years. less

An Indian child dressed as a Hindu Goddess watches a religious procession towards the Sangam, the confluence of rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, as part of the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, ... more

Photo: Rajesh Kumar Singh, Associated Press

An Indian child dressed as a Hindu Goddess watches a religious... Photo-4150129.56365 - Connecticut Post

Image 35 of 51

A Sadhu, or Hindu holy man, performs evening rituals at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, India. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh festival, which is one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days and falls every 12 years. During the festival pilgrims bathe in the holy Ganges River in a ritual they believe can wash away their sins. less

A Sadhu, or Hindu holy man, performs evening rituals at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, India. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are ... more

An Indian sadhu - holy man - takes a 'holy dip' at the 'Sangam', the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad on January 31, 2013. The Kumbh Mela in the town of Allahabad will see up to 100 million worshippers gather over 55 days to take a ritual bath in the holy waters, believed to cleanse sins and bestow blessings. less

An Indian sadhu - holy man - takes a 'holy dip' at the 'Sangam', the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad on January 31, 2013. The Kumbh ... more

Hindu holy men of the Juna Akhara sect participate in rituals that is believed to rid them of all ties in this life and dedicate themselves to serving God as a 'Naga' or naked holy men, after taking dips at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna River during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, early Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013. The significance of nakedness is that they will not have any worldly ties to material belongings, even something as simple as clothes. This ritual that transforms selected holy men to Naga can only be done at the Kumbh festival. less

Hindu holy men of the Juna Akhara sect participate in rituals that is believed to rid them of all ties in this life and dedicate themselves to serving God as a 'Naga' or naked holy men, after taking dips at ... more

Hindu holy men of the Juna Akhara sect participate in a ritual that is believed to rid them of all ties in this life and dedicate themselves to serving God as a 'Naga' or naked holy men, at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna River during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013. The significance of nakedness is that they will not have any worldly ties to material belongings, even something as simple as clothes. This ritual that transforms selected holy men to Naga can only be done at the Kumbh festival. less

Hindu holy men of the Juna Akhara sect participate in a ritual that is believed to rid them of all ties in this life and dedicate themselves to serving God as a 'Naga' or naked holy men, at Sangam, the ... more

A newly initiated Hindu monk of the Shri Panchayati Naya Udasin "akhara" or sect, peers from behind a tent during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh festival, which is one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days and falls every 12 years. During the festival pilgrims bathe in the holy Ganges River in a ritual they believe can wash away their sins. less

A Hindu devotee offers her evening prayers on the bank of the river Ganges during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh festival, which is one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days and falls every 12 years. During the festival pilgrims bathe in the holy Ganges River in a ritual they believe can wash away their sins. less

A Hindu devotee offers her evening prayers on the bank of the river Ganges during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to attend the Maha ... more

Photo: Rajesh Kumar Singh, Associated Press

A Hindu devotee offers her evening prayers on the bank of the river... Photo-4150139.56365 - Connecticut Post

Image 41 of 51

A newly initiated Hindu monk of the Shri Panchayati Naya Udasin "akhara" or sect, puts on a turban during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh festival, which is one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days and falls every 12 years. During the festival pilgrims bathe in the holy Ganges River in a ritual they believe can wash away their sins. less

A newly initiated Hindu monk of the Shri Panchayati Naya Udasin "akhara" or sect, puts on a turban during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are ... more

A Hindu holy man poses for a photograph at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers on the occasion of "Paush Purnima", during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. Hundreds of thousands of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take a ritual dip at Sangam on Sunday. less

A Hindu holy man poses for a photograph at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers on the occasion of "Paush Purnima", during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. ... more

Photo: Rajesh Kumar Singh, Associated Press

A Hindu holy man poses for a photograph at Sangam, the confluence... Photo-4150143.56365 - Connecticut Post

Image 43 of 51

Hindu devotees travel on boats at at "Sangam," the meeting point of Indian holy rivers of Ganges and Yamuna on the occasion of "Paush Purnima," auspicious according to Hindu calendars, during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. Hundreds of thousands of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take a ritual dip at Sangam on Sunday. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are likely to attend the Maha Kumbh festival, which is one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days and falls every 12 years. less

Hindu devotees travel on boats at at "Sangam," the meeting point of Indian holy rivers of Ganges and Yamuna on the occasion of "Paush Purnima," auspicious according to Hindu calendars, during the Maha Kumbh ... more

A man displays his skills as Hindu holy men, prepare for a a procession at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges and Yamuna during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh festival, which is one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days and falls every 12 years. During the festival pilgrims bathe in the holy Ganges River in a ritual they believe can wash away their sins. less

A man displays his skills as Hindu holy men, prepare for a a procession at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges and Yamuna during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013. ... more

Temporary tents for devotees are pictured at dusk at Sangam, the confluence of the Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad on January 20, 2013. The Kumbh Mela in the Indian town of Allahabad will see up to 100 million worshippers gather over the next 55 days to take a ritual bath in the holy waters, believed to cleanse sins and bestow blessings. less

Temporary tents for devotees are pictured at dusk at Sangam, the confluence of the Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad on January 20, 2013. The Kumbh Mela in ... more

A Sadhu, or Hindu holy man, ties his hair at Sangam, the confluence of the holy rivers Ganges and Yamuna and mythical Saraswati at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, India, Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh festival, which is one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days and falls every 12 years. During the festival pilgrims bathe in the holy Ganges River in a ritual they believe can wash away their sins. less

A Sadhu, or Hindu holy man, ties his hair at Sangam, the confluence of the holy rivers Ganges and Yamuna and mythical Saraswati at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, India, Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. Millions of ... more

Hindu devotees dry their clothes after a holy dip at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati River, during the Maha Kumbh Mela, in Allahabad, India, Friday, Jan. 18, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh festival, which is one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days and falls every 12 years. During the festival pilgrims bathe in the holy Ganges River in a ritual they believe can wash away their sins. less

Hindu devotees dry their clothes after a holy dip at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati River, during the Maha Kumbh Mela, in Allahabad, India, Friday, Jan. 18, 2013. Millions ... more

An Indian Hindu holy man talks on his mobile outside his camp at Sangam, the confluence of the Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati during the Maha Kumbh Mela, in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013. Millions of devout Hindus led by naked ascetics with ash smeared on their bodies plunged into the frigid waters of India's holy Ganges River on Monday in a ritual they believe can wash away their sins. The ceremony in the northern city of Allahabad took place on the most auspicious day of the Kumbh Mela, or Pitcher Festival, one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days. less

An Indian Hindu holy man talks on his mobile outside his camp at Sangam, the confluence of the Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati during the Maha Kumbh Mela, in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, Jan. 15, ... more

Hindu devotees take a dip at Sangam, the confluence of the Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati as others cross a make shift bridge, on one of the most auspicious day Makar Sankranti, the first day of the Maha Kumbh Mela, in Allahabad, India, Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation of a period of over a month on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in January 2013, which falls every 12th year, where devotees wash themselves in the waters of the Ganges believing that it washes away their sins and ends the process of reincarnation. less

Hindu devotees take a dip at Sangam, the confluence of the Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati as others cross a make shift bridge, on one of the most auspicious day Makar Sankranti, the first day of ... more

Photo: Rajesh Kumar Singh, Associated Press

Hindu devotees take a dip at Sangam, the confluence of the Rivers... Photo-4150158.56365 - Connecticut Post

Image 50 of 51

An Indian Hindu reacts after being taken for a dip at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, during the royal bath on Makar Sankranti at the start of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, India, Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. Millions of Hindu pilgrims are expected to take part in the large religious congregation that lasts more than 50 days on the banks of Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in January 2013, which falls every 12th year. less

An Indian Hindu reacts after being taken for a dip at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, during the royal bath on Makar Sankranti at the start of the Maha Kumbh Mela in ... more

Photo: Kevin Frayer, Associated Press

An Indian Hindu reacts after being taken for a dip at Sangam, the... Photo-4150159.56365 - Connecticut Post